Consistently positive experiences

Initial flights with an Elapor aerobatic model showed that everything was working satisfactorily. During numerous flights with the electric model, not a single glitch or malfunction was detected. My goal was to incorporate this technology—which is new to model aircraft—into my competition models for pylon flying. These fast F5D-class models (see also www.F5D.org or www.stonebock.ch) are somewhat sensitive to poorly installed or cheap receiver systems due to their carbon-fiber construction and the high currents involved. Signal dropouts or even interference on the radio link become unpleasantly noticeable in flight due to the high speeds. Interference almost always leads to increased activity in the workshop. In my experience, the current MHz technology allows for controlled flying. Current MHz technology offers no solution for interference of any kind caused by a lack of frequency control, improper handling of the frequency panel, an incorrectly set frequency on the RF synthesizer module, or unauthorized flyers. The

current 2.4-GHz systems automatically control which frequency is used for transmission and reception at any given time, making interference in our frequency range practically impossible. My positive experiences with the new system prompted me to start using 2.4-GHz technology in my pylon competition models at international competitions beginning in the spring of 2007.

Throughout the entire season, I was able to indulge in my hobby without interruption and no longer had to worry about the set frequency. I also found it a relief that I no longer had to hand over the transmitter at the frequency checkpoint in the transmitter tent. Thanks to the system’s trouble-free operation, I was able to set a new Swiss speed

for electric model aircraft. My positive practical experience with the new system led me to sell my MHz equipment and use only Futaba’s 2.4-GHz FASST technology from now on.

More information and pictures of this technology in my model airplanes can also be found at www.christian-hanke.blogspot.com